Social Worker/Senior Social Worker- Planning for Permanence

Together for Children Sunderland; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's service provider in Sunderland is seeking a dedicated Social Worker/Senior Social Worker to support children through the adoption process. This role offers a competitive salary of £37,280 – £47,181 per annum, plus benefits such as flexible working arrangements and an onsite parking scheme. The successful candidate will be involved in preparing children for permanence through high-quality direct work and will benefit from continuous professional development in an Ofsted-rated outstanding service.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Free onsite parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

Good health and wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Experienced in Child Permanence Reports and casework.
• Trained in Trauma Informed Practice and Signs of Safety model.
• Skilled in statutory responsibilities and direct work with children.

Responsibilities

• Support children with a plan of adoption.
• Complete meaningful Child Permanence Reports.
• Work within a small social work team.
• Apply the Signs of Safety model during practice.

Skills

Child-Centered Approach

Respectful Communication

Creative Problem Solving

Team Collaboration

Education

Social Work Degree

Job description

Social Worker/Senior Social worker – Planning for Permanence

Grade 7/8 – £37,280 – £47,181 per annum, plus an Essential Car User Allowance: £1239 per annum and 2% Recruitment and Retention Allowance paid monthly.

Interview date: 20th January 2026.

Join our Team

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service; if you’re committed to helping children, families and the community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Together for Children works on behalf of Sunderland City Council to deliver children’s services in the city, which means that local authority continuous service terms and conditions apply. We are looking to appoint an experienced Social Worker within our Pre-Birth team. Child-Centered, Respectful, Creative and Transparent are our company values and this is what you can expect from Together for Children when you join us – an Ofsted rated Outstanding service.

Responsibilities

• Support children with a plan of adoption by undertaking high-quality direct work and statutory responsibilities that ensure children are well-prepared for permanence.
• Complete Child Permanence Reports (CPRs), bespoke Later Life Letters and Life Story Work that is meaningful, therapeutic and tailored to each child’s individual journey.
• Provide a none case-holding approach and work within a small social work team, receiving support and guidance from a Team Manager and two Assistant Team Managers.
• Apply the Signs of Safety model of practice and, if needed, undertake the extensive training and support offered via the dedicated Practice Development team.

Training & Development

• Trauma Informed Practice training.
• Safe & Together training.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible working arrangements, agile working policy and possibility of remote work.
• Free onsite parking, Local Government Pension Scheme and flexi scheme.
• Good health and wellbeing programme for all employees.

Should you be interested in the exciting opportunities available at Together for Children and would like to have an informal discussion, please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Pears ([e-mail]).

Why work with us?

• Make a difference: Our work matters and is incredibly rewarding.
• Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
• Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours and the possibility of remote work.